Can PKK, Turkey’s Hezbollah reconcile? Resurging violence between two old Kurdish adversaries in Turkey’s southeast, the PKK and the Islamist Hezbollah, has generated fears of renewed Kurdish fratricide in the region. Syria
Displaced Iraqis still wait to return home Amid accusations of affiliation with the Islamic State and an uncompleted demining process in the liberated areas, most of Iraq's displaced have yet to return to their cities. Iraq
Maximum wage law has yet to be applied in Egypt The maximum wage law was on of the main demands of the January 25 Revolution to reduce the social differences; however the government has failed to implement the law in light of several complaints and lawsuits. Originals
Egypt death sentences further radicalize MB youths According to some, the death sentences issued against former President Mohammed Morsi and Brotherhood members in Egypt will push youths into joining extremist groups in Sinai. Egypt
Hamas, Israel take baby steps toward truce The conduct of talks between Hamas and Israel about a truce has raised suspicions among Palestinian Authority and Fatah officials that Hamas hopes one day to establish a "State of Gaza," independent of the West Bank. Palestine
Political detente thaws Fatah-Syria relations The longstanding tension between Fatah and Syria seems to be easing on a number of fronts through cooperation between Palestine and the Syrian regime. Palestine
How security in Strait of Hormuz brings US, Iran closer Gulf and international security are closely linked to the security of the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently facing many challenges that require a joint action between all affected countries. Saudi Arabia
After elections, Erdogan’s shadow still looms Given his continuing hold over the AKP, negotiations for a coalition government could be stymied by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan if developments take a turn he does not favor. Turkey
Progress on Yemen slow but not dead The Geneva talks ended without results, but many hold that the real achievement was getting the sides to talk for the first time in months, perhaps allowing the international community to intensify mediation efforts. Saudi Arabia
'Bogus Muslims' exposed for 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude Muslims faking sudden commitments to a religious lifestyle for political and financial gain are facing backlash from pious Muslims as well as criticism from secularists. Turkey
Gazans' inability to buy gifts affects social relationships Gazans are facing harsh living conditions with little money to spend, which is increasingly affecting social relationships in a society where buying gifts for family and friends when visiting their homes is part of the culture. Palestine
Former IDF lawyer finds UN report on Gaza war 'relatively balanced' Pnina Sharvit-Baruch, the former head of the IDF’s Department of International Law, tells Al-Monitor in an interview that though the UN report on the Gaza war was fairly impartial, it cannot be used as the basis for a criminal indictment. Palestine
KRG seeks $5 billion lifeline Kurdish parliamentarians rejected the KRG's move to borrow $5 billion from international banks in light of a severe budget deficit, arguing that this would impose a heavy burden on the government itself and on the economy. Iraq
Israel blames France for anti-Israeli approach While Israeli leaders tend to be open to at least discussing US peace initiatives, European proposals, most recently a French effort, are perceived as anti-Israel. Palestine
Emails to Hillary contradict French tale on Libya war Ex-CIA source says French intel service “created” Libyan rebel group in fight against Moammar Gadhafi. Libya
Why doesn't Iran trust the US? A fundamental lack of trust between Iran and the world powers, and mainly the United States, continues to stand in the way of a comprehensive nuclear deal. Iran
